What is the CSRM program?

Please read the information below before proceeding to the next step.

Requirements to become a colony guardian in the CSRM program

• be 18 years of age or older
• be the occupying owner of the building and live on the ground floor (caregivers are not subject to this rule)
• in the case of condo buildings, a resolution authorizing the activities of the applicant (caretaker and caregiver) is required by the co-ownership syndicate
• be registered on the list of Colony Guardians with the SPCA Roussillon
• be able to understand the texts, regulations and other information transmitted by the SPCA Roussillon
• have received no objection from your immediate neighbors
• come to the SPCA Roussillon to borrow a trap cage ($60 deposit on credit card, 1 week to bring it back)
• have the physical ability to handle a trap cage (15 kg)

Schedule

It is important for members of the program to respect the time slots below since they are established according to the availability of our veterinarians. The purpose of these schedules is to minimize the time that feral cats spend in cages, which reduces their stress and improves their rehabilitation conditions after surgery.

Moral contract

Your rights: The regulations authorize you to feed cats in your colony. This right is restrictive and cannot be extended to other animals.

Your responsibilities:

• install and monitor the trap cage used to catch cats;
• ensure transportation of the cat captured for surgery to the SPCA Roussillon;
• see to the well-being of cats in your colony by a constant and regular feeding schedule;
• never leave food unattended outside as this will attract wildlife. Cats should be fed at specific times and the food stored between meals;
• in no case should cats be a source of nuisance for your neighborhood;
• it is recommended to add a litter box (sandbox) in your yard so that the cats in your colony can do their business there and thus minimize disturbances for your neighborhood;
• notify the SPCA Roussillon if a cat from your colony is sick, injured or deceased;
• declare to the SPCA Roussillon the addition of an unsterilized cat to your colony and take steps to have it sterilized;
• set up shelters to protect members of the colony from bad weather. Make sure that these shelters remain discreet and that their access is free of snow or any other objects;
• your interventions must be limited to your property or the limit of your land. It is strictly forbidden to leave food intended for cats in the colony in public places;
• maintain good relations with your neighbors by explaining what motivates your approach and the reasons why these cats are sterilized;
• in the event that you or any other person living at the address of the colony guardian commits cruelty to animals, all of your colony guardian privileges will be withdrawn and your file will be reported to the competent authorities.

Animal safety and welfare: Do you notice that an animal finds itself in an unacceptable situation or that it receives inadequate care that requires intervention?

Whether for a pet or a farm animal, you can file a complaint with the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ): 1 844 ANIMAUX (264-6289) / www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Shelter suggestions

A shed with a cat flap, a recycled dog kennel, a shed with a door ajar or the underside of a furnished balcony can serve as shelters. Otherwise, using commercially available materials and items, it is possible to design very discreet and practical shelters for the cats in the community for which you are responsible. You can find lots of recycling ideas on the Internet, from styrofoam coolers, plastic storage bins, to designing wooden shelters with detailed plans.

Watch this video by the EduCATor to get some inspiration!